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Tower of Hanoi PuzzleStudents in Dr. Weir and Mr. Hayes' sixth grade Technical Education classes were introduced to woodworking with the Tower of Hanoi puzzle project. In the Tower of Hanoi puzzle, a player attempts to move a large pile of disks, known as the Tower, from the leftmost peg to the rightmost on the puzzle board. The students manufactured their wooden puzzles using hole saws, disc sanders and drills , then hand sanded and stained them. Woodworking is a natural STEM activity that incorporates mathematical thinking, scientific investigation and develops knowledge of technology. | Space X WestThree…Two…One…BLAST-OFF! The students in Mrs. Corr and Mrs. McGuigan’s sixth grade science classes were given the opportunity to construct and launch rockets of their own design as part of a unit on astronomy. The rocket engines were made from camera film canisters and loaded with Alka-Seltzer and water for fuel. After the launch, the students were asked to evaluate their rocket designs and analyze the variables that may have influenced their rocket’s launch. It was an exciting and educational experience for all. | The Rule of Law LessonSeventh-grade students have been learning about the foundations of government including founding philosophers of government, history of government, types of governments, role of government, limits of government, and "rule of law." Within the "rule of law," seventh-grade Crusaders performed skits exploring the concepts of: Order and Security, Legitimacy, Checks and Balances, Equal Application of the Law, Procedural Fairness, and Access to Justice. Students complete this unit to acquire an understanding of the different forms of government, key influences on American democratic principles, and develop a global perspective of ideas which impact governments around the world. |
Tower of Hanoi Puzzle
Students in Dr. Weir and Mr. Hayes' sixth grade Technical Education classes were introduced to woodworking with the Tower of Hanoi puzzle project. In the Tower of Hanoi puzzle, a player attempts to move a large pile of disks, known as the Tower, from the leftmost peg to the rightmost on the puzzle board. The students manufactured their wooden puzzles using hole saws, disc sanders and drills , then hand sanded and stained them. Woodworking is a natural STEM activity that incorporates mathematical thinking, scientific investigation and develops knowledge of technology.
Space X West
Three…Two…One…BLAST-OFF! The students in Mrs. Corr and Mrs. McGuigan’s sixth grade science classes were given the opportunity to construct and launch rockets of their own design as part of a unit on astronomy. The rocket engines were made from camera film canisters and loaded with Alka-Seltzer and water for fuel. After the launch, the students were asked to evaluate their rocket designs and analyze the variables that may have influenced their rocket’s launch. It was an exciting and educational experience for all.
The Rule of Law Lesson
Seventh-grade students have been learning about the foundations of government including founding philosophers of government, history of government, types of governments, role of government, limits of government, and "rule of law." Within the "rule of law," seventh-grade Crusaders performed skits exploring the concepts of: Order and Security, Legitimacy, Checks and Balances, Equal Application of the Law, Procedural Fairness, and Access to Justice. Students complete this unit to acquire an understanding of the different forms of government, key influences on American democratic principles, and develop a global perspective of ideas which impact governments around the world.
All That Jazz
General Federation of Women's Clubs Juried Art Show Winner
8th Grade Field Trip to Washington DC
Mark your calendars! 8th Graders at PV East and West will be traveling to Washington, DC on Monday, May 15th. This will be an extended day, departing 6:15 AM and returning by 8:45 PM on coach buses. We will be looking for some interested parents to chaperone. Parent chaperones will need to have all of their clearances. More information regarding cost, itinerary, as well as sign up will be coming in the near future.
East/West Bowling Night on 4/21
East/West student activity night will be taking place at Limerick Bowl on Friday April 21st from 6-8 pm. All East/West students are invited to join us for a night of bowling and fun with friends.
The registration fee includes: shoe rental, 2 hrs bowling, $7 arcade card, $5 future visit card, pizza, chicken fingers, fries, and 2 fountain drinks.
To register please see the link below.
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Cell Phones/Personal DevicesStudents should, whenever possible, communicate with their parents before and after school and arrange their schedules so the school day is not unnecessarily interrupted with phone calls. Only emergency messages will be taken by the office. Cell phone usage is prohibited from 7:40 AM-2:30 PM. All cell phones need to be turned off and stored in the student’s locker or backpack. If a student needs to contact their parent/guardian for emergency purposes, they will be permitted to use the office phone. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action. | BackpacksStudents will be permitted to carry book bags, gym bags, and/or backpacks to school for the purpose of storing personal school supplies and equipment. Gym bags should be stored in the student hallway or gym lockers before homeroom when brought to school. Students will be permitted to carry their book bag or backpack throughout the day while following the guidelines below. 1. Students opting to carry book bags/backpacks throughout the day cannot allow them to weigh more than approximately 10 lbs. 2. Students are expected to maintain organization of school items in their book bags/backpacks and be prepared for class daily. 3. Book bags/Backpacks must be stored underneath student desks when brought to class or in areas designated by the classroom teacher. They are not permitted to clutter walkways or hallways. 4. Book bags/Backpacks are not permitted to be used to harm others, i.e., throwing/kicking/swinging book bags/ backpacks into others is prohibited. 5. Students are expected to follow the directions of their teachers when using any electronic devices during the school day. 6. Students can lose the privilege of carrying book bags/backpacks if they do not adhere to these guidelines. 7. Book bags/Backpacks will be searched in response to any reasonable suspicion of contents not permitted in school. | Student Responsibility & Care of ChromebooksPerkiomen Valley School District strives to create an environment where every learner has the power to meet the challenges of today’s world with confidence. Chromebooks support this environment in many ways. These devices break down classroom walls and provide both educators and students with the ability to access more educational resources than ever before. Chromebooks encourage collaboration and allow learning opportunities to be anywhere at any time. This tool will permit teachers to utilize mobile and social technologies in their everyday instruction, encouraging a habit of lifelong learning in their students, and continue to meet the ever-changing challenges of college and career readiness.
ALL REPAIRS MUST BE HANDLED BY THE PERKIOMEN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT. |
Cell Phones/Personal Devices
Students should, whenever possible, communicate with their parents before and after school and arrange their schedules so the school day is not unnecessarily interrupted with phone calls. Only emergency messages will be taken by the office.
Cell phone usage is prohibited from 7:40 AM-2:30 PM. All cell phones need to be turned off and stored in the student’s locker or backpack. If a student needs to contact their parent/guardian for emergency purposes, they will be permitted to use the office phone. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action.
Backpacks
Students will be permitted to carry book bags, gym bags, and/or backpacks to school for the purpose of storing
personal school supplies and equipment. Gym bags should be stored in the student hallway or gym lockers before
homeroom when brought to school. Students will be permitted to carry their book bag or backpack throughout the day while following the guidelines below.
1. Students opting to carry book bags/backpacks throughout the day cannot allow them to weigh more than
approximately 10 lbs.
2. Students are expected to maintain organization of school items in their book bags/backpacks and be prepared
for class daily.
3. Book bags/Backpacks must be stored underneath student desks when brought to class or in areas designated
by the classroom teacher. They are not permitted to clutter walkways or hallways.
4. Book bags/Backpacks are not permitted to be used to harm others, i.e., throwing/kicking/swinging book bags/
backpacks into others is prohibited.
5. Students are expected to follow the directions of their teachers when using any electronic devices during the
school day.
6. Students can lose the privilege of carrying book bags/backpacks if they do not adhere to these guidelines.
7. Book bags/Backpacks will be searched in response to any reasonable suspicion of contents not permitted in
school.
Student Responsibility & Care of Chromebooks
Perkiomen Valley School District strives to create an environment where every learner has the power to meet the challenges of today’s world with confidence. Chromebooks support this environment in many ways. These devices break down classroom walls and provide both educators and students with the ability to access more educational resources than ever before. Chromebooks encourage collaboration and allow learning opportunities to be anywhere at any time. This tool will permit teachers to utilize mobile and social technologies in their everyday instruction, encouraging a habit of lifelong learning in their students, and continue to meet the ever-changing challenges of college and career readiness.
- Students are responsible for the general care of their issued Chromebook.
- Students must report Chromebooks that are damaged, lost, stolen, or fail to work properly.
- Report any issues to the Chromebook Service Center in your building’s library as soon as possible, and inform your teachers.
- Students are responsible for bringing completely charged Chromebooks to school each day.
ALL REPAIRS MUST BE HANDLED BY THE PERKIOMEN VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT.
Homework Club Updates
Homerook Club will not meet this coming Tuesday, April 4th. Homework Club will resume on Tuesday April 11th following the break.
Homework Club will provide a quiet, comfortable, and supportive setting for students to complete school work and become better organized. Students will receive assistance and support when needed. School resources will also be provided for all students in attendance. There is no sign-up required. If students are attending they can report directly to the Library after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Spring Break Meal Boxes
Transportation Reminder
According to our student handbook all students must ride the bus to which they are assigned. The only time a student may ride an alternate bus is for emergency purposes only. If you have any questions or need an emergency situation approved please contact our office at 484-977-7210 ext. 3500. Thank You!
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Makerspace Club There will be a new club happening every other Wednesday after school called Makerspace. Makerspace is a club where you get to learn to create anything. You get to learn and explore high tech to not tech tools. It can be learning to code or designing anything into something. If you are interested please stop by Ms. LaCava's room for a permission slip to join the club | Debate Club Join the PV West Debate Club. Learn the art of constructing, supporting, and discussing arguments. These skills are an integral part of life in a free society. In Debate club students will engage in a variety of discussions centered around group selected topics. They will learn to argue both their own perspective and the perspectives of others. Students will use evidence based practice to back up arguments as well as learning about logical fallacies and cognitive biases that may lead to poor argument construction. Debate club will take place on the second and last Tuesday of each month. | Disc Golf ClubDisc Golf will be starting back up Wednesday, March 22nd weather permitting. We will meet in the gym lobby at 2:40p and go until 3:45p. All you need is an old pair of sneakers in case it is muddy, and a bottle of water. Make sure to dress for the weather! We also have discs you can borrow. Hope to see you there! Any questions, please see Ms. Bangert in room 222 during homeroom or tenth period. |
Makerspace Club
Makerspace is a club where you get to learn to create anything. You get to learn and explore high tech to not tech tools. It can be learning to code or designing anything into something.
If you are interested please stop by Ms. LaCava's room for a permission slip to join the club
Debate Club
Disc Golf Club
Disc Golf will be starting back up Wednesday, March 22nd weather permitting. We will meet in the gym lobby at 2:40p and go until 3:45p. All you need is an old pair of sneakers in case it is muddy, and a bottle of water. Make sure to dress for the weather! We also have discs you can borrow. Hope to see you there! Any questions, please see Ms. Bangert in room 222 during homeroom or tenth period.
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Native Plant Sale Support PVMS West's Green Team and buy some quality plants for your garden! Choose from a great variety of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native perennials. Print out the order sheet, complete it, and return it to Ms. Emers at PVMSW by April 24th OR order online through PayPal/Venmo & the Google Form. Proceeds will be used to beautify West's courtyard! | Love Your Mother 5K/Mile Fun Run Walk or run at the 2nd annual Love Your Mother 5K and Mile Fun Run! On Saturday, May 6th, join us as we traverse West's BEAUTIFUL cross country course or through the woods. If you register in time, you will be guaranteed to receive our eco-friendly t-shirt with an awesome design. There will be great music, food from Chick Fil A, a Goosechase scavenger hunt for gnomes, and fun to be had by all! Proceeds will be shared among PV Foundation, PV Woods, and the high school cross country team. This event is great for the whole family! AND in honor of the Earth and Mother's Day, "Moms" can race the 5K for half off! Watch the video to learn more and click here to register! | Charity BINGO Night Join Operation HELP at West's first charity BINGO night! On Friday, May 26th doors will open at 5:30 for our participants to get their BINGO boards and put in tickets for our fabulous raffle baskets! There are even GRAND RAFFLES for a $250 Visa Gift card and another for four tickets to a Phillies game! Games will begin promptly at 6:00. Proceeds will be used to benefit our community's active senior living center, Greenfield in Schwenksville, as we will plant a butterfly garden for them in their courtyard! |
Native Plant Sale
Love Your Mother 5K/Mile Fun Run
Charity BINGO Night
After School Activity Transportation
- 4:00pm Departure (outside main office) - Monday through Thursday
- 5:00pm Departure (outside gym entrance) - Monday through Thursday
For each day students intend to take either the 4:00pm or 5:30pm activity bus, they are asked to inform the school district and bus company for routing purposes using the electronic form provided. The form links are below and also available to students via the PV LaunchPad - Classlink. Students must submit their information each morning by 10:00 am if they intend to ride the afternoon activity bus that day.
Power Packs
PV Power Packs is a weekend food program for students experiencing food insecurity. Bags of food, including 2 breakfast items, 2 lunch items, 2 snacks, and 2 fruits, are sent home with students prior to every weekend. There is no financial information required to participate in this program and students pick up their bags from their counselor or designated person every week.
Sign up for your child(ren) to receive a Power Packs bag by filling out this form: 2022-23 Power Packs or by emailing PowerPacks@pvsd.org.
Learn more about Power Packs at https://www.pvsd.org/families/pv-power-packs/ and follow us on Facebook @PVPowerPacks.
PV West Athletic Update
Middle School West 8th Grade Baseball Head Coach: Dave Patterson
Head Coach Dave Patterson has been teaching science at Perkiomen Valley for 24 years. This will be his 9th year coaching baseball and his 2nd year coaching at West. He has coached recreational, travel, and AAU baseball for Lower Perkiomen Little League and the Athletes Academy Canes. He currently resides in Skippack with his wife Tracy and his three sons Evan, Josh, and Riley. His sons currently attend Pitt, Penn State, and one attends Middle school West. His favorite part of coaching is working with individual players on skill development. His message to the athletic community is that sports bring athletes and families together. Some of the best memories are the ones made at the ballpark. Coach Patterson is excited to make more memories with the boys and their families.
Middle School West 7th Grade Baseball Head Coach: Dennis Devitis
Head Coach Dennis DeVitis, former director of baseball at Central Perk, has been coaching various levels of baseball (travel at CP, AAU at Diamond Academy, 8th grade at PV West) for the last 11 years. Employed as a lineman for Verizon the last 26 years he has his eyes on retirement in 2027. Coach DeVitis has three children, Kylie (teaching at PV East, Anthony (Junior at Millersville University) and Dennis (Freshman at PVHS). He is married to the very lucky Laurie DeVitis and they have rescued two crazy dogs by the names Tanner and Rico (help support Rylie’s Rescue in Skippack Township). Coach DeVitis’s favorite part of coaching is working with the youth and helping them understand responsibility, accountability, respect, and hard work. Doing this has led to many great relationships in the community.
Middle School West 8th Grade Softball Head Coach: Steve Faella
Steve Faella is entering his 4th season as head coach of West Softball. Originally from NY, he moved to the area after attending Muhlenberg College in Allentown. Steve is a substitute teacher at PV West and currently resides in Collegeville with his wife of 20 years, Kristin (aka Mrs. Coach Steve) and daughter Sammie. Besides West, Steve has coached the Travel Circuit as well as locally at Central Perk Softball. Along with Softball, he’s coached basketball at West, AAU, and PVYB for the past 9 years. “My favorite part of coaching is watching someone put the time in, put the work in, and then see the payoff at the end. There’s a joy for that sense of accomplishment that is just fun to watch!” His message to the PV Community is “Our teams will always compete and do it the right way; but they also will have fun doing it. Come out and support all of our teams and join the party!”
Middle School West 7th Grade Softball Head Coach: Alesia Davis
Heach Coach Alesia Davis is entering his 2nd year as the head coach of softball. She is in her 3rd year as a paraprofessional at the high school. She currently resides in Schwenksville with her daughter, Leonna and dog Lennon. When asked her favorite part of coaching, Coach Davis responded, "I enjoy watching the girls improve their skills and take what they learn and apply it on the field. Teaching the girls the importance of learning from their mistakes and teamwork."
Middle School West 8th Grade Girls Lacrosse Head Coach: Jackie LaCava
8th Grade Head Coach Jackie LaCava is entering her first year of coaching at PV Middle School West for Women's Lacrosse. She is a PV graduate and is in her 3rd year of teaching, but this is her 1st year of teaching at PV Middle School West, Coach LaCava has coached lacrosse at Lower Merion High School and most recently in the Norristown Area School District. She also coaches for NXT Women Lacrosse Club. She played Field Hockey and Lacrosse while attending PV and then went on and played lacrosse for Moravian University as a defender. When asked her favorite part about coaching, Coach LaCava responded, " I love the game of lacrosse and I love getting to work with players and other coaches to grow the game and develop players and share my joy of the sport with others. Coach LaCava is excited for the season and cannot wait to see how the girls grow as a team this year.
Middle School West 7th Grade Girls Lacrosse Head Coach: Lisa Hackett
Coach Hackett is back for her 8th year of coaching lacrosse at Middle School West. She is a PV graduate, as are her three children, Evan, Eden & Erin. Coach Hackett loves working with the coaches and kids in the lacrosse program at PV West. The best part of coaching is developing strong team relationships and helping the girls become more confident, capable student athletes that they can carry onto high school and beyond.
Middle School Track and Field Head Coach: Ashley Lewis
Head Coach Ashley Lewis is entering her 3rd year as head coach for East Track and Field. She currently teaches Health and Physical Education at Middle School East. She currently lives in Conshohocken and enjoys spending time with family and friends. When asked her favorite part of coaching, Coach Lewis responded, "I like being able to see all the achievements athletes make during the season and the friendships they gain from their teammates."
Middle School Track and Field Head Coach: Matt Weir
Coach Weir is entering his 16th year at Perkiomen Valley as the track and field coach at West and he has also been coaching football for the same period of time. He currently resides in Washington Township with his wife Kristen and they have two wonderful children, who are both active in athletics. Hunter is six years old and plays football, basketball, soccer, and wrestling. Peyton is four and loves soccer and gymnastics. Dr. Weir is also a technology and engineering teacher at West. His favorite part of coaching youth sports is seeing the athletes grow and develop their skills. For some, middle school is the first time a student is involved in an organized athletic program. Being part of their first experience with a sport and watching them grow and develop throughout middle school and high school is probably the most fulfilling experiences a coach can ever have. His message to the PV athletic community is to be encouraging! Encourage your student(s) to be active in school programs; regardless of the sport or activity, be involved! Encourage your student to be a mentor. Students and players learn best by watching and modeling the actions of older and skilled players in sports and activities they are interested in. Encourage your student(s) to be the best person they can be both on and off the field.
Nurse Notes - Physical and Dental Exams
Parents of 6th grade students, please know that you are required to submit a physical form for your child during this school year. In addition, if your child receives any immunizations, please submit those as well. Prior to the start of 7th grade, your child will need to receive the Tdap and Meningitis vaccinations, so now is a good time to get those immunizations!
Parents of 7th grade students are required to submit a dental form for your child.
The school physician and the school dentist will be at Middle School West in the Spring of 2023, and your child will be seen by them if the proper form is not handed in prior.
Be Part of the Conversation - Upcoming Programs
We are a collaboration of community leaders, clinicians, students, school district representatives, and families who believe that having meaningful, inclusive conversations about substance use and addiction will support individuals and their families in their efforts to develop healthy coping skills and access support whenever there is a need. Learn more about us. See the link below for a number of programs that Be a Part of the Conversation offers.
PV West Attendance Information
If your child will be absent or missing any class time, please send an email (from the email you have listed in our new SIS system) to:
This will count as your call-out AND parent excuse. Please indicate in your email the date of absence, student’s grade and the reason for the absence. An absence is considered unexcused when the child’s school has not received an email or written parent note providing an acceptable reason for the absence, within a 3-day period.
You may also call our attendance line at: 1 (484) 977-7210, option 1. If you do this, you would still need to submit an email with the above information in order for it to be excused.
Any medical notes or Dr.'s notes should be placed in the Attendance Box, right outside the Guidance Department.
If you have any questions at all, please contact Lori Tropea at ltropea@pvsd.org or you may call her at x3540.
PVSD Food Service Updates
Parents/Guardians put money in their student(s) accounts electronically in SchoolCafe or by sending cash or checks in with their students. For more information about SchoolCafe please go to https://www.pvsd.org/departments/food-service/school-cafe-information/. If you are sending funds in with your students, please note the students’ names and account number on the envelope and ask them to give the envelope to their cashier in the cafeteria.
Upon entering the serving area, students make their selections and enter their 6 digit Student ID number on the pin pad or scanner. Our staff will be happy to help them become more comfortable with the system.
Safe2Say
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code that will route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), and is now active across the United States.
When people call, text, or chat 988, they will be connected to trained counselors that are part of the existing Lifeline network. These trained counselors will listen, understand how their problems are affecting them, provide support, and connect them to resources if necessary. Please see below for more information.
The previous Lifeline phone number (1-800-273-8255) will always remain available to people in emotional distress or suicidal crisis.
Community Bulletin Board
Want to find out what’s going on in the PV Community? Visit here for flyers about upcoming events in and around our area!
To submit an event for posting, please send a PDF version of your flyer to webmaster@pvsd.org for review.
Please note that Community Bulletin Board items may contain links to websites of organizations outside Perkiomen Valley School District. Items are posted to this bulletin board as a free service to the community, and should not be interpreted as being sponsored or endorsed by the district.
West Weeks At A Glance
Monday April 3rd - Autism Awareness Day (Wear Blue); PVSD School Board Work Session; Education & Finance Committees @ 7pm in PVHS Library; West Home & School Meeting @ 7pm in West Library
Tuesday April 4th - No Homework Club
Wednesday April 5th - Monday April 10th - No School for Students (Spring Break)
Tuesday April 11th - PVSD School Board Business Meeting @ 7pm in PVHS Library
Thursday April 13th - PVSD Educational Equity Task Force @ 7pm in MSE Library
For more details on the 22/23 school year go to the 22/23 Instructional Calendar
Perkiomen Valley Middle School West